THOSE wishing to make their displeasure known during the upcoming visit to the UK of Donald Trump are perfectly entitled to do so. However, a much more dignified and admirable approach would be to ignore the occasion. Why not, literally, turn their backs on him?

Adding to the plethora of protestors now apparently engulfing the streets of the UK, who have reduced real and genuine demonstrations and protest to a farce, will make not a what of difference to anything. Mr Trump merely glories in upsetting those who dislike him.

Alexander McKay,

8/7 New Cut Rigg, Edinburgh.

SO the leader of the free world is coming to the UK to meet Her Majesty and attempt to put a veneer of respectability on the disastrous Trump presidency (“Protesters at the ready as Trump’s three-day UK state visit confirmed”, The Herald, April 24). Yet just a few hours after the visit is announced he resurrects the debunked two-year-old conspiracy theory that UK intelligence services coordinated with the Obama administration to “spy” on him. Much better than a thank you note for the invite, don’t you think?

Anne-Marie Colgan,

10 Castle Wynd, Bothwell.

Difflam advice

I CONCUR with Dr Philip Gaskell (Letters, April 23) regarding treating most sore throats using paracetamol and simple gargles.

I do, however, take issue with his comments regarding the use of Difflam spray.

The minor ailments service in Scotland allows the community pharmacist to give advice and prescribe for eligible patients. The prescribing formularies from health boards for this service gives guidance to pharmacists and under the section “Sore throats” the medication of choice is Benzydamine – the generic form of Difflam in spray and mouthwash form.

The ultimate aim of prescribing such a product is to avoid a costly visit to a GP for a viral sore throat.

Elizabeth Roddick,

New Life Pharmacy,

665 Clarkston Road, Glasgow.

Helping hand

AT a time when so many are disillusioned with politicians, I am pleased to report that some take real pride even in their past portfolios. After a recent visit to Edinburgh on business, I must have stood out as a lost Glaswegian as I paused before getting on a train destined for many stops at Waverley Station. “You are trying to get to Glasgow?” a wel- dressed man said to me as I dithered. I recognised the face, but could not quite place him. “Yes, I am, and you used to be an MSP?” I responded, as I took a closer look at his face. “I am an MSP”, came the firm but polite reply, “I used to be the Minister for Transport and you need to get to Platform 10 in the next five minutes”, he advised.

Stewart Stevenson, MSP, you are a gentleman and your Sherlockian perception and act of kindness simultaneously both threw me and made my day. If current ministers and cabinet secretaries all share Mr Stevenson’s passion for their portfolios and desire to help a stranger, we will be well served.

Allan Steele,

22 Forres Avenue, Giffnock.

She worshippers

AS far as I am aware the reason for calling ships “she” (Maritime museum to stop calling boats ‘she’ after vandals target signs”, The Herald, April 24, and Letters, April 25) is that the figurehead on ships years ago was always the figure of a woman, usually slightly bare and busty – perhaps for lonely sailors to gaze at when in the middle of the ocean.

Jim Morrison, 22 Broompark Drive, Inchinnan.